New Club Building

 The Invitation:

As many of you know, I have been involved in all phases of membership for almost 25 years. This year, and last year, I have been involved as Chair of New Club Building/Revitalization. When was the last time that you invited anyone to your club or division meeting to find out what a great organization we have-Kiwanis? If not, why not? If so, did the person(s) join? What compelled you to join? What keeps you in Kiwanis? Have we as leaders been listening to what Membership Chair Joe Weiss has been sharing for the last three years?

Does your club have a plan to grow? If so, has it been carried-out? If not, why not? LET'S GROW NOW!

Below is a letter that 2010-11 Solvay-Geddes-Camillus Kiwanis President Michael Swanka composed and shared with Ontario Division leaders shortly after I conducted CLE training. The letter says it all. As we start this New Year ... let's take stock in who we represent, why we are in Kiwanis and that EVERYONE deserves to be in the GREATEST service organization in the world. Feel free to use the letter to help attract new members, former members and former Sponsored Youth members!

The Letter:

So you're thinking about the Kiwanis experience, what's involved and what kind of commitment you need to put forth. Hopefully you became interested because of what Kiwanis means to our communities and the way that Kiwanis makes a difference in people lives.

Kiwanis is one of the world's largest, most respected service organizations. It gives you the opportunity to volunteer with others for the benefit of your community and its people. In differing degrees, you will find that membership in Kiwanis offers opportunities for friendships, civic and community contacts, informative and entertaining gatherings, and a sense of accomplishment.

Kiwanis is neither a social club nor a secret or political society. It does not prescribe to a way of life for others. Kiwanis performs, through numbers, service beyond the capability of the individual by providing assistance to the aging, the needy, and to youth. The goal of Kiwanis is to improve communities by changing tomorrows today.

Whether we raise money for school projects, children's hospitals, Boys and Girls Scouts, food pantries and more, we are committed to making our communities a better place to live. You will receive great personal satisfaction while the people we serve feel a great sense of caring and heartfelt appreciation.

Please take the opportunity to join us for a meeting and see what we are all about. There is no pressure to become a member. See for yourself what the Kiwanis experience can be. 

The (your Kiwanis Club) is a distinguished club in the Kiwanis organization. We are highly recognized for the service we provide and the growing fellowships in our group. I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you in the near future. Thank you for your interest in Kiwanis.

Very truly your

(Fill in your name) , Club President

Column Posted on Web Site February 3, 2011